William J. Sylvester Jr.

William James Sylvester Jr., 88, of Little Egg Harbor, New Jersey, passed away at home on Friday, March 13, 2026. Born in Ship Bottom, New Jersey, he lived for many years in Manahawkin before settling in Little Egg Harbor in 2010. He served his country in the United States National Guard and remained a life member of the Ship Bottom Fire Company. William worked as a self-employed drywall installer and painter before retiring from the Waretown School District, where he served as a custodian. His lifelong passion was fishing; even after he could no longer cast a line, he continued crafting rigs with care and enthusiasm.

He was predeceased by his parents, William Sr. and Evelyn Sylvester, and his sister, Catherine Kerlin.

William is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Mary Sylvester; his sons, Barry Sylvester of California and Wyatt Sylvester of New Jersey; his daughters, Dolly Downs and her husband Rodney Downs Jr. of Little Egg Harbor, and Sheryl Federicci and her husband Steven Federicci of Little Egg Harbor; his grandchildren, Logan Downs, Deanna Downs, James Patrick Page Sylvester, Taylor Federicci, and Erika Federicci; and many nieces and nephews.